PRAISE GOD FOR WHO HE IS
“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:18-19). Give thanks for the mercy, compassion, and patience of God; that he doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, but showers us in grace and forgiveness. Pray that we’d turn away from our idols and seek to prioritise God in our lives, and that we’d be people who live in joyful response to his goodness, seeking to live holy lives for him.
THE WORLD
South Sudan. In our cycle of prayers for the world, pray for South Sudan, following the recent one-year anniversary of a bitter civil war in the country and the real threat of genocide. Pray for the protection of civilians and the vulnerable, safe refuge for the homeless and dispossessed, and that the warring parties would seek peace. Pray for Christians in Sudan, scattered by the violence and often persecuted, that they would remain faithful to Jesus, giving active witness to their hope in him.
Middle East. Continue to pray for an end to the conflict in Gaza, for humanitarian relief to reach those in need, for comfort for the grieving and healing of the injured. Pray also for an easing of tension between Israel and Iran, and for successful diplomatic initiatives.
HONG KONG
Pray for those who are especially vulnerable in HK; for the homeless and those without adequate housing. Pray for charities and NGOs like ‘St Barnabas’ Society and Home’ and for the ‘Hong Kong Church Network for the Poor’, who seek to care for those without adequate housing and raise awareness of the needs of the poor; pray for their provision so that they can meet the needs of those in their care; that the love of Christ would be known.
Pray for single parents in Hong Kong, who shoulder large burdens of caring for their children, as well as working. Pray for adequate support in housing, education, and health provisions. Pray that they would not feel alone but have support from family and friends. Pray that churches can be welcoming communities and spiritual families for single parents.
ST ANDREW'S
Growth Groups. Give thanks for our Growth Groups, these small communities of learning, prayer, friendship, and mutual support. Give thanks that our groups can meet to encourage one another during every season of life. Pray that members of these groups will grow in wisdom, faith, and holiness. Pray for the leaders of these groups to be wise and godly, and for the continued development of new leaders and groups.
Evangelism. Give thanks for the gospel of Jesus which brings the news of forgiveness and the hope of eternal life. Pray for our opportunities to share this gospel; that it would be declared as we gather on Sundays at St Andrew’s, so that people would come to believe; and that we would declare the gospel as we scatter during the week, in our homes, workplaces, and friendships. Pray those who are attending the ‘Christianity Explored’ course, Cantonese Alpha and Putonghua Alpha courses, that participants would feel free to ask their questions about life and faith and come to accept the great news of Jesus.